Electrical connection unit which can be used with both insulated and stripped leads

Abstract

An electrical connection unit including a housing with at least one terminal for receiving either an insulated lead or a stripped lead and at least one metal part having a cutting element and a spring element. The cutting element and the spring element are located along a longitudinal extension of the lead thereby minimizing the height of the electrical connection unit such that it may be used in confined spaces. In accordance with one embodiment, the cutting element and the spring element coincide in space such that they are substantially coplanar to further reduce the size of the electrical connection unit. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the metal part serves a dual function as a cutting element and also as a spring element and has an essentially box-shaped configuration. The housing may also include catch projections and/or attachment cross pieces to retain the metal part in the housing. Furthermore, a mountable thrustor and /or latchable cover may also be provided.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.